Azul

With over 3,000 aircraft delivered since 1984, the Cessna Caravan is a workhorse of global aviation—known not only for its ubiquity, but also its utility.

U.S. startup Surf Air Mobility has partnered with Brazilian regional carrier Azul Conecta to electrify a portion of the carrier’s Cessna Caravan fleet.

However, the airline continues to watch developments closely as it prepares to nearly double its E2 fleet over the next year.

At just 15 years old, Azul is now Brazil’s largest airline, serving over 160 destinations domestically and in the US and Europe.

Azul expects to add three more Embraer E195-E2s by year-end 2023 and aims to add 15 more jets by the end of 2024.

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (Azul) and aeronautical engineering company LHColus Tecnologia have put the Embraer 195 E1 into service as a Class F freighter.

New entrants on the North American airline scene have both weathered and found opportunity in one of the most challenging times for the industry in decades.

The timeline for retrofitting the aircraft, as well as the number of aircraft to be retrofitted with automated systems, is yet to be determined.

Brazilian operator Azul is seeing a bit of relief in the challenges stemming from reliability issues with Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines.

The Brazilian airline reached an agreement with most of its lessors to reduce lease payments by $1.1 billion during the next four-and-a-half years.

Brazilian airline has established Azul TecOps as its dedicated maintenance arm.

Without the support of lessors during the pandemic, many airlines would not be around anymore. But as the industry rebounds, lessors hope for better returns.

Brazilian operator Azul has reached crucial agreements with the majority of its lessors to significantly restructure its balance sheet.